NASA has developed an innovative combination of a Magnetometer, low-powered ElectroMagnets, and Res onant Inductive Coupling (MEMRIC) to create and control relative positioning of nanosatellites within a cluster. This is a game-changing approach to enable distributed nanosatellite (nanosat) clusters. The focus is on low-cost propulsion, navigation, and power sharing. Each of these functions can share the same basic technology. With the combination of a magnetometer, low-power electromagnets, and resonant inductive coupling, several nanosats can be clustered without the need of propellant- based propulsion systems, or GPS for relative positioning. By separating distinct subsystems into their own nanosat and producing them as generic, off-the-shelf components, the mission-design process is simplified, enabling the selection of the number of subsystem components that is most beneficial to the mission. The cost savings in the design cycle will pay for the extra off-the-shelf power unit.

The key to MEMRIC is the use of low-power electromagnets for relative motion control, a magnetometer for relative distance determination, and a resonant inductive coupling system for power sharing. Traditional satellite buses house all of the major subsystems in one package. Nanosat clustering allows for the distribution of subsystems, with each nanosat housing a specific subsystem (functional fractionation). MEMRIC makes this type of clustering possible, allowing a collection of system-specific nanosats to serve as a set of basic functional building blocks. Power collection, communication, navigation, computational, and propulsion units can all be combined to meet various mission requirements, greatly reducing the need for non-recurring design efforts. As new technologies for power, communications, and computation become available, these technologies can be incorporated into standardized nanosat units without the need for redesigning the other units or an entire system. Thus, the capabilities of spacecraft clusters composed of MEMRIC-enabled nanosats can evolve at the pace of technology, without incurring the large costs inherent to redesign of large, complex spacecraft.

Possible applications include space exploration, earth observation systems, scientific re search, and cubesat/nano satellite systems.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact the Technology Partnerships Office at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link for more information: http://technology.nasa.gov/patent/TB2016/TOP2-213 .